'Surprise' oil find a goer

An independent review of an oil discovery in the Amadeus Basin, south-west of Alice Springs, has proven the operation is economically viable.

The managing director of Central Petroleum, Richard Cottee, says infrastructure is already in place at the 'Surprise' oil discovery so start-up costs will be lower.

Surprise is estimated to produce about 600,000 barrels, a figure supported by an independent consultant.

Mr Cottee says the development will go ahead.

"There will be some degree of permanent employment out there, below 10 but obviously we would see that the most likely permanent jobs would be if we could train up the local traditional owners," he said.

"It would be much more efficient to train up those that actually want to live in the area."

Mr Cottee says interim production tests will take place before full operation begins.

"That then can be done in conjunction with the work both Santos and ourselves are doing in the same area, so clearly I remain optimistic that within 18 months and $30-odd million being spent that this'll be just the start with entrees to what should be quite a succulent feast for our economic development," he said.